2
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
3
inside
contents 4.2018
34
Musical Legacy
Revered as the “greatest guitar player of all time,” Jimi Hendrix’s life was a vehicle of transcendental inspiration, and his music shaped rock ‘n’ roll for all time. On the COVER:
P h oto b y D a v i d M o n tgome r y / G e tt y I m a g e s
features 44
Broken Lizard Shenanigans CULTURE got the inside scoop with the cast of Super Troopers 2 and their latest film.
50
Lyrical Liaison Willy J. Peso’s latest album is your go-to anthem for 420.
52
The Latest and Greatest Cannabis culture is thriving, and its new representation in a legal world is inspiring some of the best cannabis films and TV shows of 2018.
56
Time to Splurge When you’ve got the munchies, nothing satisfies a craving like this crazy, over-the-top edible amalgamation.
58
Party On Some of the hottest 420 parties are happening in your area—which one will you choose to attend?
26 52
50
56
departments 11 Letter from the Editor news 12 News Nuggets 13 By the Numbers 16 Local News 18 Legal Corner reviews 20 Strain & Edible Reviews 24 Company Highlights 26 Cool Stuff 28 Entertainment Reviews 60 Growing Culture
4
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
Online Exclusive! d First Dispensary Opens in Jamaica d Celebrate 420 According to Your Zodiac
Vol 9 IssUE 10
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
5
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Hilary Bricken, Devon Alexander Brown, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, Caroline Hayes, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Carl Kozlowski, Emily Manke, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Kimberly R. Simms, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolfe Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Bruce Wolfe Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Michelle Aguirre Graphic DesignerS Payden Cobern, John Venegas Account Executives Rebecca Bermudez, Alex Brizicky, Angie Callahan, Molly Clark, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Rocki Davidson, Matt Knuth, Casey Roel, Rick Schwartz, Natasha Tanksley, Annie Weber, Vic Zaragoza office manager Mikayla Aguilar Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla INTERNS Cecilia Juarez, Ryan Leuteritz Publisher David Comden
Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 500 locations throughout Michigan. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 36500 Ford Rd #348 Westland, MI 48185 Phone 888.694.2046 Fax 888.694.2046 www.CultureMagazine.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
6
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
/freeculturemag
/iReadCulture
/iReadCulture
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
7
8
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
9
10
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
LETTER
FROM
T HE
EDITOR
Ce l e b r a t i n g i n U n i t y
W
hat does the 420 holiday mean to you? Consumers everywhere look forward to April 20 for various reasons, but overall we can all agree that 420 is the official time of year to celebrate cannabis. Let your mind wander and take a journey to a new plane of existence with a special new strain packed with THC. Pay homage to your ancestors who may have used cannabis long before prohibition took place. Spend time with friends or family, and share cannabis with open arms and bowls packed. Watch some of your favorite cannabis flicks with a bowl of infused popcorn. Attend a massive local gathering of cannabis advocates and enthusiasts and smoke a joint at 4:20 p.m.—these events and activities are what make the holiday of 420, and our community, so incredible. In the return of CULTURE’s Annual 420 Collector’s Edition, we want to express our gratitude to our readers by dedicating these pages to honor our community, as well as all things 420. And most
importantly, we want to party with you! After all, the best 420 traditions are centered on getting together with other consumers to smoke, vape, feast and enjoy our right to consume. We’ve prepared a little bit of everything for you this year—from an in-depth look into the life and legacy of Jimi Hendrix, a recipe for one of the most beautiful, amazing, gorge-worthy treats, a cannabis entertainment forecast, and we even landed an exclusive interview with Broken Lizard in anticipation of Super Troopers 2—it’s everything you need to get the most out of your 420 celebration. Regardless of what this day means to you personally, it’s hard to ignore the infectious energy in the air this month. Dispensaries are busy preparing for lines on 420, which will make November’s Black Friday shopping crowd pale in comparison. Consumers everywhere are ready to drop cash for ridiculous deals on their favorite flower, concentrates and edibles. This year more than ever, April 20 will also be a day when
many first-timers will try cannabis in its many forms, and maybe even take their first journey to a dispensary. Don’t let the woes and setbacks of this maturing industry discourage you from taking pride in the work and dedication that our community has persevered through all these years. Instead, focus on the huge progress that we have made collectively as we bring safer cannabis to all who have a right to consume it. Let’s light one up and celebrate ourselves! Happy 420 from all of us at CULTURE Magazine. c Cheers!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
11
NEWS
nuggetS
Majority of Michigan Voters Support Recreational Cannabis According to new polling data commissioned by Michigan NORML and carried out by EPIC-MRA polling, 61 percent of voters said they would vote “yes” on the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, which would legalize cannabis in the state. The number reflects an 11 percent drop since 2014. “Michigan NORML is a member of The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, which is backing the Michigan Regulation and Taxation
of Marihuana Act,” NORML stated in its blog. “The initiative permits those over the age of 21 to possess and grow personal use quantities of cannabis and related concentrates, while also licensing activities related to the commercial marijuana production and retail marijuana sales.” The poll indicates that if Michigan’s bill to legalize cannabis were voted on at the time of polling, it would pass.
Portage Approves Medical Cannabis Facilities After approximately 500 hours of deliberation, the Portage City Council voted 4-2 in favor of approving two ordinance amendments on March 13 allowing for five categories of medical cannabis licenses. Amendments were made to Chapter 14, Article 12, Businesses and Chapter 42, Article 4, Zoning, for Medical Marihuana Facilities. “This council and staff has been working on this for many, many months,” Mayor Pro Tem Jim Pearson said at the meeting. “We’ve held a couple of different workshops, we’ve edited, we’ve gone through, items that have
Virginia Governor Signs Medical Cannabis Bill On March 9, Gov. Ralph Northam signed House Bill 1251, which expands access to cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) oils for medicinal purposes. “Gov. Northam signed HB-1251 on March 9, 2018. He added an emergency clause to the bills during the legislative process allowing immediate enactment with his signature,” according to Virginia NORML. First, this expands the affirmative defense for possession to
12
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
come up when we didn’t think about them. And we made changes. And so there’s been a lot of work. This council was not unanimous, and those that opposed it really contributed to the betterment of the ordinance proposal.” Three types of cultivation licenses include Class A (up to 500 plants), Class B (up to 1,000 plants) and Class C (up to 1,500 plants).
all patients with written certifications. Second, it will expand access to Virginia’s regulated medical cannabis program once it becomes operational. The affirmative defense certificate has been updated to reflect the change in law.” Before now, only a limited number of patients with extreme forms of epilepsy were allowed to have access to medical cannabis oil. The bill also increases the 30-day supply limit to a 90-day supply. The expansion could help fight the state’s ominous opioid problem by providing alternatives.
The percentage of Michigan voters who support recreational cannabis legalization as it’s described on a ballot question: (Source: Michigan NORML)
61
The percentage of tax that is being proposed on all medical cannabis transfers between licensed caregivers and their patients in Michigan: (Source: Michigan Department of Treasury)
6
The amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that a medical cannabis company has agreed to pay for a building in Leoni Township, which was once an elementary school: (Source: Mlive.com)
The number of medical cannabis facilities that have been approved for Leoni Township: (Source: MLive.com)
38
900
The number of business licenses created solely to favor minorityowned cannabis businesses in Maryland: (Source: The Baltimore Sun)
11
The estimated amount of money, in millions of dollars, that the state of Nevada has collected in cannabis tax revenue during the first six months of legal sales: (Source: Forbes)
30 The number of medical cannabis dispensary applications filed in Iowa: (Source: Des Moines Register)
21
The number of acres that were used to grow hemp plants in 19 U.S. states in 2017: (Source: VoteHemp.com)
25,541
Hash Bash WHEN: Fri, April 6-Sun, April 8 WHERE: Diag (Diagonal Green), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor WEBSITE: www.hashbash.com It’s quite astonishing that Hash Bash has been carrying on for 47 years now. April 1, 1972, marked the day of the first Hash Bash, and now, the event has become a part of the Michigan medical cannabis industry’s identity. The festivities start on April 6, with the Michigan NORML 2018 Spring Conference nearby and the second annual Hash Bash Cup. Saturday is the Hash Bash After Crash
with Spaceship Earth, Peanutbutter Williams and more. Sunday you will hear from former professional athletes like Eugene Monroe and Darrin McCarty, plus you’ll hear from famous PTSD researcher Dr. Sue Sisley. Also on Sunday, DJ Short will present a cultivation seminar. If you live in Michigan, there’s likely no other event that can boast the history and size of Hash Bash. CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
13
14
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
15
NEWS
LOCAL
The Final Countdown
The choice of Michigan’s next at t o r n e y g e n e r a l w i l l d e p e n d on the cannabis vote By Benjamin M. Adams
M
ichigan’s next attorney general will hold the key to how the state’s medical cannabis laws are enforced. The state’s Democratic Party is scheduled to endorse candidates on April 15 and formally nominate a candidate by August. On Nov. 6, the state will vote—and Michigan’s cannabis industry is on the line, as the state attorney general will have the power to carry out or ignore directives coming from U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who notoriously claimed that “good people don’t smoke marijuana.” Some of Michigan’s attorney general candidates have voiced support for recreational cannabis. Patrick Miles, a former Grand Rapidsbased U.S. attorney, has previously said he’d enforce whatever cannabis laws voters approved, good or bad, but recently spoke out in support of legalizing cannabis in Michigan. Democrats Dana Nessel and William Noakes, as well as Republicans Tom Leonard and Tonya Schuitmaker have also entered the race. Nessel, however, earned an endorsement for Michigan attorney general from MI Legalize, the advocacy group behind the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol. “I’m the first candidate they’ve ever endorsed,” Nessel told CULTURE. “That speaks to how important it is to voters, patients, caregivers and advocates that we have elected officials who support legalization now, not who will decide after the fact or will be milquetoast in protecting the rights of caregivers and patients.” Michigan’s incumbent attorney general, on record, hasn’t been entirely fond of cannabis. 16
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
Michigan voters approved medical cannabis in 2008, but shortly after had a republican attorney general in office and a republicandominated legislature who were hostile to implementing the law in the way that voters approved. “That AG, Bill Schuette, essentially said we could have medical marijuana but not sell it—which clearly undermines the entire spirit of the ballot initiative and makes it harder for caregivers to provide patients with (what we have agreed is) legal medicine,” Nessel delineated. It’s been nearly a decade since Michigan voters approved medical cannabis, and the state is still ironing out the complicated details of licensure for provisioning centers. “Having an AG who supports marijuana legalization, unequivocally, as I have from the beginning, will be key in ensuring the will of the people is actually upheld,” Nessel explained. If elected, Nessel would be the only attorney general in the history of the state’s office with experience as both a criminal defense attorney and a prosecutor. She’s also a proven ally of Michigan’s LGBTQ citizens. In her experience, Nessel has learned that Michigan’s public defense system does not provide adequate defense to those who cannot afford it. “Underfunded public defense units mean that a great lawyer still can’t do what they would like to for their client, because the resources to support their work just aren’t there. I’ve tried more than 500 cases, hundreds of them capital offenses. I’ve taken on the current AG and won. I’ve created a first-of-its-kind task force, the Fair Michigan Justice Project, that works with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office to prosecute hate crimes against LGBTQ persons in Michigan.” Nessel is aware of the impact of not only local governments, but also in the role that the federal government plays in cannabis reform. She was willing to comment on Attorney General Jeff Sessions recently rescinding cannabis protections including the Cole Memo. “Sessions’ reversal of the Obamaera policy is horrifying,” Nessel said. “The war on marijuana has proven to be a waste of time and money, it’s been completely ineffective in combating crime and addiction, and it unfairly targets people of color.” While other attorney general candidates in Michigan have signaled support for cannabis, only Nessel is allied with grassroots-based cannabis advocates like MI Legalize. c
The Michigan Medical Marijuana Expo The festivities kick off on Friday at “high noon.” Attendees who work in the cannabis industry are encouraged to bring their business cards to exchange. EDM producer Blvnt Force is sponsoring the event and will present the annual Green Party at the expo. The Miss Mary Jane Pageant will offer cash and prizes, plus there’s Weed Speed Dating, Bong Pong, raffles, photo opportunities and Stoner Trivia. But one activity at this event stood out—a Cheech & Chong lookalike contest, which CULTURE is particularly excited about. Festival-goers are encouraged to wear green to support medical cannabis in Michigan. Take part in one of Michigan’s most entertaining cannabis-related events for this 420 holiday season. WHEN: Fri, April 6-Sun, April 8 WHERE: Rocky’s Pub, 12850 Sibley Rd., Riverview WEBSITE: blvntforce.com
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
17
NEWS
LEGAL CORNER
Choice Number One: First come, first served. Or is it first qualified? Or first to a zoning hearing? This option is awful on so many levels. Whether the line starts the night before or a week before, when a million-dollar license is in play, people behave badly: Think fist fights, camping on doorsteps and litigation. Is it a race to the finish? If you were second in line for four licenses but your competition next door gets approved first, can they knock you out of contention?
Choice Number Two: A lottery. Arguably the only objective option, a blind draw out of a hat is still problematic because the winners may never qualify for a state license. As time passes, better qualified and desirable business owners have moved on and the community’s patients are stuck with fewer facilities. Let’s also remember the dismal success rate for the world’s lottery winners. Random may be objective, but do communities want to leave this to chance?
The Liability of Limits The future of cannabis in Michigan lies with the licensing process By Denise Pollicella
W
e know that the lynchpin of the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA) was “local control,” meaning that representatives and senators from more conservative districts could go back to their communities and say, “Don’t worry. You don’t have to do this cannabis stuff.” This provision, Section 205(1), gives municipalities control not only over whether to opt in to the MMFLA, but over which license types to allow, how many to allow and where to put them. This makes sense considering the lack of state license caps and the industry’s frantic interest in Michigan; however, municipalities are learning that limiting licenses is problematic and fraught with liability. There are two primary ways to limit the number of businesses in a community: First, is through what I call “hard caps,” meaning the city council sets a number, and second, is through restrictive zoning so that the number of available properties is naturally low. The latter is, in my opinion, the way to go, because once a municipality decides to hard cap permits, its options are suddenly all bad.
18
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
Choice Number Three: The point-based application (or the lawyer permanent employment system). The first time I saw this overkill, request-for-proposal-style system my first thought was “lawsuit.” These are new on the scene, so it’s appropriate to ask where they came from. Most other states legislated state-level monopolies, severely limiting licenses and awarding them through a bid system. Hopefuls spent tens of thousands of dollars on consultants creating flashy massive presentations. Out of work because those licenses were awarded, those consultants are now in Michigan using fear to sell this monstrosity to small municipalities who not only do not have the resources but, let’s face it, the knowledge, to make any kind of intelligent decision. Moreover, every factor is imperiled by subjectivity and human error. It is a process designed to shrink the applicant pool through trickery and to unfairly advantage deep pockets. Let the litigation begin.
“This makes sense considering the lack of state license caps and the industry’s frantic interest in Michigan . . .”
To the credit of Michigan’s municipalities, they are spending huge amounts of time and resources, carefully considering their options to make the best decisions for medical cannabis patients and for their communities. They would be well served by seeking the advice of their municipal counterparts where the industry is working well without issue. c
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
19
REVIEWs
strain & edible
Shiatsu Kush The rumor is that BC Bud Depot brought the genetics for this potent hybrid (50/50) strain from Japan, where its reputation in the Japan underground market includes the powerful relief of stress, tension and muscle pain. Additionally, besides stress and pain relief, patients here in America have found this strain beneficial to symptoms associated with depression, nausea and lack of appetite. Generally, effects noted by patients who have consumed Shiatsu Kush are an overall cerebral calm and body relaxation, paired with creativity and euphoria. Visually, these buds may be small, but the flowers are dense, partnered with a tasty terpene profile—earthy and cedar-like, with floral notes that carry a hint of a sweet tropical mango. Be sure to stay hydrated before, during and after consuming Shaitsu Kush; this strain in particular has been noted to cause dry eyes and mouth.
Available at: People’s Choice Alternative Medicine in Ann Arbor.
Cookies and Cream Available at: Herbal Solutions in Ypsilanti.
First things first—the terpene profile on this specific phenotype is so incredibly vibrant and on point! This hybrid cross between Starfighter and a proprietary Girl Scout Cookie phenotype was bred by Exotic Genetix. This phenotype, grown by @MattyBStackers, smells like an exhaled cloud of Cookies and Cream vape juice. Patients have noted that this strain provides sincere euphoric and relaxed relief, which is beneficial in treating symptoms associated to anxiety, stress, depression, chronic pain, insomnia and muscle spasms; both cerebral and body effects are induced. With notable high potency, testing at 26.8 percent THC, it’s noted that high doses can induce an early night’s sleep. Cookies and Cream took first place in the hybrid category at the 2014 Denver Cannabis Cup.
Available at: ArborSide located in Ann Arbor.
PB&J “LunchBox” This isn’t your mom’s average PB&J Sandwich! ArborSide offers the “LunchBox” to local patients. Two soft and thick peanut butter cookies encase a thin layer of jelly. Yum! Labeled with 150mg THC and 100mg CBD, consumers should anticipate strong relief. It is recommended that patients, especially those who are new to edibles, should refrain from eating the entire treat at once, until they better understand how edibles affect them. Upon the smooth onset of euphoric, relaxing effects, patients note both cerebral and body sensations. Feeling this relaxed, you may need to sneak in some nap time, too.
20
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
REVIEWs
Platinum GSC Available at: Flavors Detroit in Detroit.
These gorgeous buds were a sight to behold. Sparkling platinum trichomes decorate incredible dark purple and green leaves, leaving patients drooling at the mere sight. Handle it, and your fingers are sure to be covered in their tacky-trichomes. The aroma playfully combines a berry-like sweetness with a pungent fruity spice. A 50/50 hybrid, this strain’s lineage is that of OG Kush, Durban Poison and a third, unknown strain. Testing at 26.5 percent THC, patients looking to alleviate symptoms associated to anorexia, anxiety, arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, glaucoma, insomnia, nausea and PTSD deserve to reward themselves with such uplifted and euphoric relaxation.
Blueberry Midnight Bar From the moment the packaging is being opened, a delectable robust blueberry aroma invites you to take a closer look. Trapped inside this 250mg bar of chocolate are a generous amount of blueberry chunks—a divine combination with the silky cocoa. The label notes that ingredients include cocoa, sugar, milk, palm oil, soy lecithin and sea salt. Keep in mind that each of the segmented rectangles is about 20mg of activated cannabinoids. It’s recommended to start with a lower dosage until you understand how you’ll personally react. As always, please be sure to store all medicine responsibly and out of reach of children; once removed from its labeled packaging, this bar of chocolate would surely be enticing to any chocolate-lover.
Available at: Jackson County Compassion Club in Jackson
Hello Cheese Available at: Hello Wellness in Pinconning.
Hello! Hola! Bonjour! No matter how you greet it, relief is on the way. Hello Cheese is one of the densest nugs we’ve seen, with dark orange hairs poking through the crystal-coated landscape of varying shades of green. This indica-dominant strain is named after Hello Wellness, offering no hint to its lineage but sincere relief to patients seeking to treat chronic pain, depression, stress, pain and insomnia. Patients are pleasantly greeted with relaxation, euphoria and increased appetite. Inhale and be embraced by a sweet, sugary taste paired with a musty tropical fruit aroma. We have never been greeted with such a comforting hello, as we did with Hello Cheese. Grab yourself some bud from Hello Wellness just in time for 420, and get ready to say aloha to wellness!
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
21
REVIEWs
Biscotti Cookies
Available at: House of Dank (H.O.D) in Detroit.
This strain is a locally grown phenotype of Biscotti Cookies reigning from parent strains Gelato #45 and Pink Panties. The offspring produced have a dark hue to their green leaves with patches of an almost lime green contrast in color. The bud structure is dense and moist; breaking it apart reveals a delicious tangy citrus fruity and floral aroma with an OG funk. This heavily potent strain (testing at 27.2 percent THC, 1.11 percent CBD) offers cerebral and body effects, lending relief to patients combating anxiety, arthritis and lack of appetite. Consume with a fellow patient, and you’re sure to get locked into pleasant and uplifting conversation for hours. Biscotti Cookies would also be a great addition to any 420 activities that involve movies, TV shows, video games or munchie foods!
Birthday Cake
Available at: Motown Meds in Detroit.
Do-Si-Dos Patients can’t wait to get their hands on this incredibly dense behemoth, with calyxes condensed tightly together. An enticing thick coat of sparkling trichomes beckons to be shred through a new grinder with a kief catch. Senses are greeted with an overall robust OG aroma, containing subtle gassy and cookie notes, which hint to the lineage of this strain; Do-Si-Dos is the offspring of parents Girl Scout Cookies and Face Off OG. The indica-dominant nature of this strain lends relaxed cerebral and body effects that can easily become sedative in high doses. Take into consideration that the lab-tested potency for this phenotype is 27.9 percent THC, 1.3 percent CBD. Test results reveal: N/A for all microbial testing and residual solvents categories.
22
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
Nobody can refuse this jolly good fellow! This indicadominant strain (60/40) descends from Girl Scout Cookies and Cherry Pie parents. Presenting itself with slightly knobby calyxes and leaves sprinkled in trichomes. Prepare for sticky fingers as you pinch a thick and tacky bud, releasing a sweet vanilla cookie aroma that’s paired with a gassy, earthy body. Combating a variety of symptoms with 23 percent THC, patients have celebrated relief from anxiety, stress, chronic pain, inflammation, insomnia, headaches, depression and appetite loss, thanks to the strong body effects. Birthday Cake had reviewers singing praises to the relaxed, uplifting, happy and euphoric effects, too. Some patients even noted arousal. FYI, this strain is also referred to as Birthday Cake Kush and Wedding Cake.
Available at: Plan B Wellness Center in Detroit.
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
23
REVIEWs
company highlight
ROI Urban Farms, ROI Bio-Soil Highland Park | (313) 748-8971 www.biodynamicfood.org/biodynamic/ROI-Urban-Farms ROI Bio-Soil Detroit | (248) 991-7448 | www.roibiosoil.com What’s the story behind the name of your company? ROI has a double meaning. First it is a French word that means “king” and the second is a business term for return on investment. We serve the highest ideals by the virtue of our practicedeeds, which then results in the highest rate of return on investment. When did you decide to get into the cannabis industry? After 20 years of athletics and racing, coupled with seven operations to make repairs, my body was broken down. In 1997, I sustained a major spine injury and my physician, Dr. Brigette Bowler, insisted that I quit taking opiate pain medication as they were “filled with darkness” and would never lead to natural healing via the “Gaia” principle she practices. To help with the daily pain, I started looking for alternatives, (which always 24
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
ended up being inconsistent) and in fact unhealthy for me (i.e. Anything made via hydroponics). I obtained my card in 2010 and started planning, practicing and testing biodynamically grown cannabis for myself and for returning Iraq War veterans, free of charge. In 2016, after 83 documented, timestamped and photographed test studies, we started selling our Biodynamic Demeter-USA Certified, total living organic Medicinal Blend “Zero Add” Detroit made soil to the public, so that others could taste and feel the difference of life without any man-made chemistry, solutions or “teas.” Along the way, I was influenced with my mom’s 20-year battle with cervical cancer. She had 12 operations and became a junkie, requiring two doctors’ signatures for her “junk” at the time of her death in 1997. If what Dr. Simpson said was true, I would have to find a way to organically extract this medicine without damaging
the living enzymes, [the literal vehicles of transference/the only way in through our cellular walls] so that others could keep their mom around long enough to meet their grandchildren. Without the “living enzyme delivery service,” the material could never truly penetrate our cellular tissue and become completely absorbed by the entire human system. In 2015, after 17 tests, we perfected the only Demeter-USA Biodynamic certified RSO process, at the time of our submission. How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? It has gone from a “hippie movement” to a “drug lord big agriculture dope show,” where artificial systems and manmade chemistry are driven by greed, organized and crafted by people who could care less about human health and vitality. What are some of the challenges you see in cannabis cultivation? Ridding the American consciousness of materialism and profit-driven none livingnatural-strategies like hydroponics, which do nothing to address the health and vitality of patients, consume exorbitant amounts of fossil fuels, creating Nitrate filled flowers that are carcinogenic and can cause cancer. What makes your product stand out from your competitors? The Demeter-USA certified Biodynamic practice and the improved upon standards that we employ, are the highest selfsustainable organic standards in the world, and in my humble opinion, are the only way to arrive at true living organic medicine.
Top-Sellin g Pro duct Medicinal Blend Biodynamic Compost Bulk or Bag, (By donation only when available) Bio-Scout Cookies, RSO Euphoria Certified Biodynamic Organic Cure 60g.
What is the most important thing your business hopes to accomplish while in the cannabis community? We would like to awaken the American consciousness to an elevated senseawareness on what it is that we are actually putting into our bodies, while providing true medicine and true medicine should exemplify these standards. c
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
25
REVIEWs
For More Products Go To CultureMagazine.com
3. Adhesive Glass Protector
1. Cross Bar Pipe We’ve all been there—after setting the pipe aside to reply to a text, you reach over to grab the pipe, just to see that is has tipped over and made a mess. Thanks to the sophisticated designers at Love + Destroy, you can kiss that petty problem goodbye. This beautiful Cross Bar Pipe is an elegant smoking device that was designed to capture the eye of discerning consumers with its sleek geometric design. It is cleverly designed with cross bars underneath to prevent it from toppling over. It’s available in three colors—matte black steel, polished gold steel and blasted stainless steel. Price: $68 Website: loveanddestroy.com 2. Gold Cannabis Leaf Roach Clip Bracelet This is where fashion and functionality collide. This beautiful accessory not only acts as a stylish bracelet that shows your love for cannabis with detailed gold cannabis leaves, but it also doubles as a functioning roach clip, too. Ladies and gentleman alike don’t have to burn their fingertips any longer when trying to puff every last bit of greens with this inconspicuous accessory. The interlinking detailed design of this bracelet is discreet enough to wear at school or work, and your friends and acquaintances would never know that it is also a roach clip. Price: $36 Website: bluntedobjects.com 26
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
3
1
Have you broken a couple bongs or hookahs in the past and are starting to get tired of it? Back up and protect your favorite glass piece with the help of Adhesive Glass Protector. No more annoying slipping or gliding for your prized water pipe. This silicone design not only protects your favorite smoking accessory, but complements your favorite glass with a pleasing floral or Mandela-shaped design. It’s perfect for protecting both round and flat glass bottoms of bongs and rigs. Now you can be worry-free when passing your pipe accessories to your friends this 420. Price: $12.50 Website: damagecontrolsilicone.com 4. Dipper Vaporizer
4
2
Meet the Dipper Vaporizer—one of the most functional and unique vapes on the market. The Dipper Vaporizer by Dipstick Vapes is a sleek and versatile wax pen that provides two ways to smoke or vaporize. One way is with the Vapor Tip Atomizer, and the other is with the Quartz Crystal Atomizer. The Vapor Tip Atomizer actually allows you to dip the atomizer end of the vape into your favorite concentrate to produce a clean hit through the mouthpiece on the other end, similar to a straw. The Quartz Crystal Atomizer is more traditional; it goes in the chamber of the vape and can be loaded up with concentrates directly. Either way that you choose consume your concentrates, you’ll love this state-ofthe-art vaporizer. Price: $149.99 Website: dipstickvapes.com
CULTUREMAGAZINE.com GET YOUR CLICKS
HERE
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
27
REVIEWs
entertainment
Release Date: APRIL 20
BOOK
The Cannabis Cultivation Coloring Book Edna & Otis Ellison Pub. Stacey Neff Informative books are great, but during 420 we want to kick back and enjoy ourselves. That’s why we found The Cannabis Cultivation Coloring Book to be the perfect companion to this famed holiday. Paired with a joint of a sativa-dominant strain, adult coloring has been brought to a whole new level. As the only adult coloring book that focuses specifically on the horticultural perspective of cannabis, this is also a great gift item for your favorite consumer who has a green thumb. Packed with pictures of the cannabis plant in various stages of growth and development, all the way from seed to smoke, this book will keep your busy mind relaxed for hours. (Jacob Cannon) 28
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
Available on: PlayStation 4
MUSIC
GAME
God of War Dev. SIE Santa Monica Studio Pub. Sony Interactive Entertainment The God of War series began back in 2005 and focused on the story of Kratos, a warrior whose intent was to defeat Ares, well-known as the God of War, by interacting with and defeating various other Greek gods. Kratos’ “been there, done that” story seemed to have ended, until Sony breathed new life into the series. Now the eighth game in the series returns (with the same name as the first game) and focuses on Norse inspirations, revolves around Kratos’ relationship with his son Atreus, and is filled with glorious combat displayed in high definition. With a new camera system, this one has a lot in store for diehard fans. (Nicole Potter)
MOVIE
Lady Bird Dir. Greta Gerwig Universal Pictures With all of the wonderful attention being given to female artists and storytellers these days, one female coming-of-age story that shouldn’t be missed is the beautiful film, Lady Bird. The movie takes viewers inside all of the drama, confusion and intensity of a young girl’s last year of high school as she tries to escape her mundane hometown and her parents’ unraveling lives to seek out greener pastures. Helmed by Writer and Director Greta Gerwig and brought to life with stunning performances by Saoirse Ronan as the titular character Lady Bird and Laurie Metcalf and Tracy Letts as her parents; Lady Bird is not one to be missed. (Simon Weedn)
Both Sides of the Sky Jimi Hendrix Legacy Recordings What may even be more mind-blowing than the fact that there is a new Jimi Hendrix record out nearly a halfcentury since his passing, might be the realization of just how prolific he was in his tragically short life. Loaded up with 13 new tunes culled from sessions recorded after the release of The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s 1968 album, Electric Ladyland, Both Sides of the Sky adds even more magic to an already untouchable catalog of work. Though the new album might lack the energy and flow of a more authentic Hendrix release, the record still showcases a true virtuoso at the peak of his talents. (Simon Weedn)
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
29
REVIEWs
company highlight
Cannabis 360 Insurance: Protecting Assets for Half a Century 26622 Woodward Ave. Ste. 200, Royal Oak (517) 712-5577 www.cannabis360insurance.com How would you describe your company? What is your specialty? We specialize in providing insurance and risk management services to the cannabis industry. We provide policies such as general liability and product liability, property, crop and workers’ compensation, while also providing bonding and employee benefits solutions. We truly appreciate all of the cannabis businesses on the frontlines of moving the U.S. cannabis industry forward. We are passionate and thankful for the opportunity to support and protect them as they do so. What do you offer consumers/clients that others don’t? We have 50 years of insurance, bonding and employee benefits experience in our office. Cannabis 360 Insurance is a division of the McNish Group, which has been a Michiganbased independent insurance agency since 1968. Our position in the broader insurance marketplace allows us the leverage to develop and implement the strongest solutions for our clients. We are licensed to do business in all 50 states. How and why did your company start up? McNish Group has been insuring cannabis operations since 2015, with our first clients located in New Mexico. As the U.S. industry continued to move forward, we saw the need for an experienced, knowledgeable and independent agency to enter the market and provide sound risk management services to businesses. Furthermore, when we look at the cannabis industry, we see an enormous opportunity for diversity, inclusion and growth. Providing protection through strong risk management practices is our way of supporting the advancement of cannabis businesses. With the changing landscape of medical and recreational cannabis, what do you see as the biggest challenges to your progress as a company? Any advantages? Our role as an ancillary cannabis business certainly insulates 30
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
us from some of the challenges faced by front line businesses. However, our challenge is largely the same in the U.S. market—the federal government’s lack of support of the industry. Until the federal government fully supports legalization of the cannabis industry, the insurance marketplace will continue to be limited, which means our clients will face continued barriers to access of affordable, broad coverage insurance policies. That same challenge is also our advantage. While the insurance marketplace is limited, our previously established relationships with partner companies allow us to differentiate from the other insurance providers in the industry. Additionally, being involved in the industry now, allows us to give our clients a voice and influence for the future development and implementation of insurance coverages. What words of advice would you offer anyone seeking to enter the world of cannabis business? Follow a passion, not a dollar. By following your own passions related to the cannabis industry, you will ultimately find your place
within the industry. There are many ups and downs, so the “fast dollar” is a false hope in my opinion. You will need to build strong relationships, and contributing to the overall success of the U.S. cannabis community is key. What are the goals and vision moving forward, for your company? Where do you see your company in five years? Moving forward, our main goal is to maintain the same level of service and support that we provide to our clients today. We are currently available in all states that have legalized cannabis, and our goal will be to maintain a committed pace at the state level. At the same time, we will continue to add services and tools that positively impact our clients. Cannabis businesses will be growing and encountering many changes in the coming years. We want each client to feel that our agency is an extension of their team. In five years, we expect to not only support businesses in all legal cannabis states, but we fully expect to have a physical presence in multiple states. Additionally, we hope that our advocacy in each state for an expanded insurance marketplace will continue to provide clients with broader, more affordable, insurance products. What do you hope to accomplish in the cannabis industry? We hope to be a trusted, key risk management partner for all businesses entering and operating in the cannabis industry. Our commitment to service and further promulgation of the industry will position us well to accomplish this goal. c
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
31
34
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
35
ver 47 years ago, Jimi Hendrix passed away unexpectedly at the tragically young age of 27. In the nearly five decades since his untimely death, the reverence for his music, the stories of his virtuosity and the estimations of his influence have grown to a point where his mythology has nearly fully eclipsed his humanity. For many, Hendrix is an inimitable powerhouse of guitar playing who seemingly came out of nowhere, took the world by storm, and died so suddenly that it seemed he’d vanished almost as quickly as he arrived. For those willing to dig a little deeper though, the story of Jimi Hendrix’s rise adds a richness and context to his playing and the music he created that might take away some of the mystique, but none of the value. From instinctively setting his guitar on fire at the Monterey International Pop Festival to performing his unforgettable rendition of “The StarSpangled Banner” at Woodstock, Hendrix is undeniably an icon in rock ‘n’ roll history. Recently, CULTURE Magazine had the privilege of talking with Jimi’s younger brother and one of his best friends, Leon Hendrix, to hear all about his and Jimi’s childhoods, his perspectives on the Jimi Hendrix legacy, and the roots and revelations of a true music icon. Leon Hendrix poses at Purple Haze Properties Photo by Ted Soqui
It’s quite a journey from Hendrix’s humble youth in the Northwest to playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” after a two-hour encore at Woodstock, which would define the hippie generation. Hendrix accomplished more in 27 years than most accomplish over the course of their entire life. Here’s some, but not all, of Hendrix’s finest moments.
36
1942
1946
1950s
November 27 - Johnny Allen Hendrix is born. His mother is only 17 years old.
Young Hendrix’s father renames him James Marshall Hendrix, because he dislikes Jimi’s birth name.
Jimi and his friends becomes instantly obsessed with a new music style called “rock ‘n’ roll,” after witnessing performers like Little Richard and Elvis.
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
37
38
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
Photos courtesy of Purple Haze Properties
1958 1959 When you close your eyes and think of him, what are the things about him that come to your mind? How do you picture him? Is it just his gentle spirit and nature? No, because his spirit is not gentle anymore, it’s omnipresent now and I feel him all the time. I even have confidence that we live again now because of my experiences with Jimi.
1961
To get started, so much has been written (and will continue to be written) about your brother’s skills as a musician and songwriter. But I feel like people might not know your brother as a person quite as well. What do you wish more people knew about who Jimi was? Well, people haven’t dug deep, because his image and music were so great; it’s been the only thing people could really concentrate on. But what I wish people would know? That he was a gentle person who never spoke harshly, he treated me very well, he was very humble, and also very artistic; he was like Michelangelo when he was a kid. Before he ever picked up a guitar, he used to draw these fantastic
It’s incredible that is how your passion for graphic arts started out! Like I said, Jimi as a kid was such an artist. He was a sculptor too. He’d get clay and mold it up into beautiful things. He even crafted some cars and submitted them to Ford. So you might be driving around in a Hendrix original today and not even know it!
Hendrix’s father buys him his first electric guitar, a white Supro Ozark.
May 31 - After being caught in a stolen car twice, law enforcement gives him an ultimatum: Go to jail or the Army, so he enlists in the Army. He completes basic training at Fort Ord, California and gets sent to Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
1962
pictures; it’s how I learned to draw. When he started playing guitar, I used to bug him when he practiced, so he’d find some paper and tie a pencil around my wrist. It was better than going to college, because I ended up working for Boeing as a draftsman because of it.
Hendrix’s mother, whom he idolized, dies of cirrhosis when he is only 15.
July 2 - Captain Gilbert Batchman grants Hendrix an honorable discharge from the 101st Airborne Division, mentioning that Hendrix is meant for other things, not the military.
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
39
One thing that comes up time and time again with your brother’s work is his creativity and inventiveness. He had incredible talent for bringing fantastic, far out ideas to life with his music. Where do you think that aspect of his nature came from? Was it something you noticed in him when you were little kids? Well, look at music. You can’t physically touch music. Music is a spirit. It has no body, it just flows. That’s how inspiration comes, and Jimi had this ability to capture that. He didn’t have a guitar early on, but he would go to our grandma and say, “Grandma, I hear stuff!” And our grandma would just swab his ears out with baby oil. Then a week would go by, and he’d be back yelling, “Grandma! Grandma!” and
the same thing would happen again. He was hearing music, but he had no way to bring it, because he had no instrument. But when he hit about 14 and got his first guitar, he was off to the races. Everything fell in place for him; the cosmos were calling, and he captured that because he was born for this, he just needed his instrument. He even told me once that he wished that he had a bigger instrument. He took the guitar and that’s all he had, but really he wanted to be conducting symphonies and write orchestral music too. Do you have any other favorite early memories of your brother and his music? Well, like I said, he heard the voices;
he heard the call. When he finally got an instrument, a ukulele with only one string at first, he was able to make songs with that one string. He learned that he could tighten and untighten the string and get all the notes on just one string. Then at 15 he was in a band and wasn’t supposed to be able to get into the clubs, because he was too young, but they’d let him in anyway because he was the best guitar player around. Then at 16 he worked for Ray Charles when Ray was living in Seattle. If you remember in the movie, at one point a guy says, “We should have stayed in Seattle playing with that kid.” They were talking about Jimi! Jimi went by Buster back then, but playing for Ray Charles was his first job.
1963
1964
The young guitarist’s career soars as he’s hired as a backup R&B and blues musician for a slew of major recording artists, although some instances are disputed. Hendrix joins Little Richard’s band, tours with them, and records “I Don’t Know What You’ve Got But It’s Got Me” with Little Richard.
Hendrix wins first prize in the Apollo Theater amateur contest. Ronnie Isley takes notice, and The Isley Brothers hire Hendrix.
40
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
1965 1966
Hendrix forms Jimmy James and the Blue Flames and he plays hippie clubs around Greenwich Village, New York.
Linda Keith, Keith Richard’s girlfriend notices Hendrix’s greatness and immediately gives him Keith Richard’s Fender Stratocaster.
What kind of music were you two searching out on your own that was inspiring your creativity? Oh, we were listening to Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, B.B. King, Willie Dixon and all of those other blues guys. I’ve read your stories about Jimi taking apart your
father’s radio and trying to find out where the music was coming from. Was the radio how you two were discovering these artists? No, because in those days you just had what they called the Top 40, and the Top 40 was the only music you’d hear in the whole United States. Every night at seven o’clock one channel would play those 40 songs, and that was it. So, at the time, we didn’t have a record player, and there were no black people on the radio. If a black person wrote a song, they’d have to sell it to a white artist for them to record it and get it played on the radio. Would you two listen to the Top 40 stuff too? Oh yeah, that’s all we did was wait for seven o’clock so we could listen to that radio. Then there
was that one time when my Dad wasn’t home, and Jimi wanted to know where the music was coming from because he wanted to grab it, but he couldn’t. So, he took the radio apart and when we opened it, it was just some tubes and wires; there wasn’t anything to really investigate. We tried to put it back together, but just couldn’t do it. When my Dad came home and saw the radio wasn’t working we got scolded, to put it mildly. Jimi took up for me because he didn’t want me to get a whoopin’ and my Dad was a little inebriated and yelling, “Why did you do it?! Why did you do it?!” And Jimi told him, “I just wanted to know where the music was coming from.” He could hear it, he just wanted more information.
In London, Hendrix hires Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell to form The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Rock ‘n’ roll will never be the same.
1967
I know that you’re a graphic artist and a musician yourself. Was there anyone when you two were kids that was encouraging you both to pursue your creativity and develop it? No, not at all. In fact, they fought it. They wanted us to work with our hands; I’d help my Dad out gardening. They wanted us to work hard and become mediocre. We didn’t really break out of that until Jimi left, and then I left.
Sept. 23 – Chas Chandler quits The Animals, specifically to manage Hendrix. Chandler brands his name as “Jimi Hendrix” and takes Hendrix to London to help him break into the mainstream and solidify his psychedelic image.
June 18 - Jimi’s performance at the Monterey International Pop Festival is a pivotal moment in rock history. After Pete Townshend from The Who makes a statement by smashing his guitar, Jimi makes an even bigger statement by kindling a fire on top of his electric guitar. The crowd goes nuts.
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
41
means transport and vision” means to see into the future. And if you notice a lot of the stories we were watching on early TV have come true. So, there’s some type of natural progression of knowledge and Jimi got on board; he was in the vortex or something. There’s a rhythm to the universe, and he was in it, and he never fought it. He just went with it and enjoyed it. All that he wanted to do was play music. Do you think your childhoods contributed to that? Because you two were left on your own a lot of the time and forced to be imaginative and create your own fun? You know, everyone here has their own personal experience and whatever you do with that is what it is. I kind of went off the deep end. I was a street kid when the welfare people stopped looking for me when I was 13 or 14. I went on a different journey, another pathway. I joined the Army for the same reason Jimi did, because a judge made me. Then Jimi came home, and I forgot I was in the Army and went on tour with him. Jimi said, “Let’s go!” And I was gone. Two years later I ended up in a penitentiary for it.
When you guys were growing up in Seattle, Washington, were there a lot of blues musicians touring through the Northwest? What kind of acts were you seeing? All of them, all of them were coming through. Little Richard came through right after he’d quit rock ‘n’ roll and become a preacher. He came to Seattle because his mother’s sister lived right around the corner from us. That’s where we met Little Richard the first time, he gave us pictures and everything. Then we went to his sermons, and he was telling the whole congregation how he’d had this dream that rock ‘n’ roll was going to kill him. Jimi and I tried to get dressed up for it, but we were raggedy with wrinkled shirts and broken shoe laces. We thought we were looking good though. I’ve read about you two going to see Flash Gordon movies together and taking in a lot of science fiction. Several of your brother’s songs talk about space themes. Do you know how he became interested in outer space and the bigger universe? Well, the word “television” is made up of two things. “Tele
I know you’ve got your own radio show on Purple Haze Radio where you play some of your brother’s music. When you’re listening to your Jimi’s records, what are your favorite to go to? Do you have a favorite Jimi Hendrix song? I don’t really because I feel like I’m not done listening to it all yet. When I listen to his music, I still hear stuff that I’ve never heard before. It’s all so beautiful. I mean he’s such a composer, and in between all of the main stuff there are so many tiny riffs, butterfly flutters, and stuff with the music. I just love it. It’s like when you read the Bible or good text from prophets, every time you read it becomes something different. Jimi used to say that music and sound isn’t investigated enough because it’s a spiritual force, and we can only use our instruments to bring it. It’s been almost 50 years now since your brother’s passing. What do you think Jimi would say about his legacy? Well, I think he’d say it’s pretty powerful. In places like South America and Madagascar some people think he’s a saint. Jimi did all of this, he created his own immortality. Because of his music he’s still here jamming and inspiring other guitar players; he inspires me. I’m very thankful for Jimi. c
1969 August 15 - Hendrix’s legendary performance at Woodstock in New York would go down for eternity, forever ingrained in history. 42
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
1970 December 8 – Hendrix testified to the Toronto Supreme Court about hashish and other drugs he was caught possessing at the airport.
Sept. 18 - Hendrix was found dead in a London hotel room. The autopsy revealed he had died form an overdose of barbiturates, despite his friends explaining that Hendrix rarely overused drugs.
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
43
44
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
For almost 30 years Broken Lizard has been delighting audiences with hilarious shenanigans By David Edmundson
B
roken Lizard, the comedy hive mind behind comedy gems like Super Troopers, Beerfest and Club Dread began in New York in 1990. And while nearly 30 years have elapsed since the comedy troupe’s inception, these guys are as quick and funny as ever. With Super Troopers 2 being released on Friday, April 20 this year, CULTURE sat down with Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme and Paul Soter; four of the five members of the comedy troupe. We discussed filmmaking, their long history in comedy and how cannabis helps them in their creative process.
Photos by John Gilhooley
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
45
“Some of the most epic jokes from our movies came while we were stoned.” What did it feel like to put the uniforms back on? Lemme: Like mother’s milk. Chandrasekhar: It felt great; you look in the mirror, and you’re like, “Oh yeah, there’s that guy from the movie.” I told these guys I wouldn’t roll camera unless everybody weighed the same as the first movie. So, they could say we looked older, but they couldn’t say we looked fatter and older. You guys have been doing comedy together for almost 30 years, can you tell us a little about the genesis of the group? Heffernan: We all went to college together and started doing sketches there. Then we moved to New York and reassembled in the cabaret scene. We had been making short films and videos, and the idea was to make a feature film. So, we made this movie, Puddle Cruise, with credit cards and whatever. Lemme: That was in the early ’90s, when the independent film scene was exploding then with Tarantino, Rodriguez, Linklater, Soderbergh and Kevin Smith making movies quickly and cheaply. Soter: And you would go see them in the multiplex. We were like, wait a minute, a small movie can be on the big screen everywhere. 46
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
Was filmmaking always the goal? Chandrasekhar: Originally, we really just wanted to do sketches. We were such big fans of Saturday Night Live, I think we would have liked to do a sketch show. We had an opportunity to do it, it was between us and a group called The State, and they won the show. So, then we were like, “What are we going to do now?” There’s no need for another sketch
show. So, we decided to try and make a movie. Super Troopers cames out in 2001 and becomes a cult smash when it hit DVD. Very quickly there were rumblings of a sequel, so why the long wait? Heffernan: We didn’t want to dive back into the exact same characters again. We wanted to make a few other movies.
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
47
Troopers? Oh my god we play all those games you guys play, the meow game, the repeater.” Heffernan: It’s super flattering, that they play all the same games we do. Lemme: There was a great one with an Atlanta Falcons football player where he played the meow game on ESPN, and just carried it all the way through the interview. We saw a video from Felucca with guys at checkpoints playing the meow game with an Iraqi person, but the joke was lost because you kind of have to speak English. Chandrasekhar: I was parked in a car smoking a joint with a friend of mine, and we literally saw a cop car stop behind us. The cop walked up, and I put [the joint] out and threw it out the window, but there was smoke in the air. I didn’t want the cop to see me, because I didn’t want to have a publicity arrest issue. He shines the light in my friend’s face and asks, “What the hell are you doing here?” He can see smoke in the car, and then he shines it up at me and says, “Oh, I’m sorry sir, you have a good evening.” And then he walks away.
Chandrasekhar: We were afraid that if we did that, we would become, and I say this in a friendly tone, we’d become the Police Academy guys, who are mainly known for that one series of movies. Lemme: In retrospect, we probably should have made Super Troopers 2 after Super Troopers. We made Club Dread instead, and that tonal shift threw our fans off quite a bit. Beerfest ends with a tease of a potential cannabisthemed sequel. Was there, or is there a plan to possibly explore that idea? Chandrasekhar: We’d written 48
40 pages of it, and we just kind of got too high and meandered away from it. Then we wrote an animated version of it, kind of never finished that, but I think if this movie does well, I think we’ll do it. One of the things that makes Super Troopers so great is the way you mess with the people you are giving tickets to. What’s the general feeling amongst law enforcement officers when they see you? Lemme: I got let out of a 120 mph speeding ticket. The cop looked into the car and said, “Mister, do you have any idea how fast you were . . . Super
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
Super Troopers is such a beloved classic. Did that put pressure on you guys to top it with the sequel? Chandrasekhar: The problem is the first movie caught on in a way we didn’t anticipate. People sort of look at that movie that they all watched together with friends, they got high, they drank and they bonded over this thing. They have an emotional attachment to it. With the new one, we just decided to make another one. It’s a little bigger, the mustaches are a little bigger, the action’s better, we’re more skilled writers, but whether it catches that magic is sort of up to the audience. Heffernan: That is the trick to making a sequel, though. You want to reference the first one, but how much do you reference the first one? How much do you revisit jokes versus creating new ones? It was a fine line.
“ . . . They’re putting so many people in jail for t h i s g e n e r a l ly harmless drug t h at I d i d v o t e to legalize i t. I t ’ s a n interesting time; we’re in the moment of the end of prohibition.”
You guys mentioned cannabis. Are you cannabis consumers? Lemme: It’s part of the creative process. There’s only so much you can do when writing a script without getting high. Some of the most epic jokes from our movies came while we were stoned. You’re in a different place, and you’re laughing your ass off, and the hope is when you’re going over your notes the next day . . . Chandrasekhar: . . . You’ll be able to fit it into your structure. We write our structure sober, we write the magical flourishes and the jokes in sessions where we smoke a lot of joints. Soter: In the opening of Super Troopers, the whole comedy is born out of how freaky things can get when you’re high, and interactions with the police especially. Why do you think cannabis is so helpful to the creative process? Chandrasekhar: It opens a portal to a joke machine that we are able to access. What are your thoughts on the current state of cannabis? Chandrasekhar: You know, I liked it when it was illegal. It was a little more underground, you could be rebellious. Soter: It was dangerous. Chandrasekhar: And I thought about it when
legalization came up, that I might vote no, but really, they’re putting so many people in jail for this generally harmless drug that I did vote to legalize it. It’s an interesting time; we’re in the moment of the end of prohibition. Heffernan: It’s certainly a wave. It’s interesting how much it’s changed. My kids aren’t going to grow up with the idea that this is a hide behind the building kind of thing. The way my parents look at it will be so different from how my kids do, which is super interesting. Soter: There’s something very cool about the specificity of it now. The idea that I can find something that will give me a very particular experience. For our lives, up until recently, you just got what got you high. It’s wild that it has been science up to this point.
See Super Troopers 2 i n s e l e c t t h e at e r s F r i d ay, A p r i l 2 0 !
Your films are extremely quotable, what is the quote you hear the most? Chandrasekhar: “Who wants a mustache ride?” Lemme: “You boys like Mexico?” is a big one. People also scream “Eye of the Jew” at me a lot. Heffernan: People call me “chicken fucker,” “shenanigans” and “liter of cola.” A lot of stuff gets yelled at me. Soter: I go every day having “meow” yelled at me. ‘Til the day I die, I’ll be the “meow” guy. c
+ foxsearchlight.com/supertroopers2
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
49
Stoned Like Willy
W i l ly J . P e s o ’ s n e w a l b u m H y b r i d offers songs you can smoke to By Addison Herron-Wheeler
F
or some, music is a way of life. Willy J. Peso grew up with music as a major part of his life, and he has carried that with him throughout his career. In addition to being a hip-hop artist with his own unique sound, Peso is a proud cannabis advocate and enthusiast, whose music and brand is a clear and respected representation of his affinity for the plant. He’s such a fan, in fact, that he even named his EPs after types of cannabis. CULTURE talked to Peso about his creative process and his support for cannabis legalization. How did you get started making music? I grew up watching music videos with my grandfather as a kid. My mom kept me in church and made me sing in the youth choir on Sundays. As I got older I started writing my own lyrics, and by high school I had my own studio equipment at home. After high school I started really investing into studio time and production. I released my first national single with Travis Porter in 2011, and my career has been building ever since. How would you describe your sound? My sound is a mixture of hip-hop, soul and trap. I like to think I have a universal sound that can be played while everyone smokes. Who are some of your biggest influences? I’m influenced by artists from the past—Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye and George Clinton, as well as hip-hop legends like Jay Z, Snoop Dogg, Devin The Dude and Jeezy.
50
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
Do you have anything exciting as far as releases or touring that you want to announce? I am currently on a national tour across the country with Devin the Dude until May 2018. My new album, Hybrid, [became] available on digital music platforms on March 23. How do you feel about your local and national music scenes? My local music scene has grown over the last few years. A lot of artists from Detroit are getting national success right now. It’s a good time to be from Detroit if you are a rapper trying catch a break. The national music scene is wide open; the internet gives artist tons of opportunities to flourish. Tell us about the ways in which cannabis is a central theme in your work. Cannabis has been a part of my music since the beginning of my career. Every album I have released to date has some type of cannabis-related theme. I’m currently pushing my Stoned Like Willy brand, my Sativa EP, Indica EP and now the Hybrid LP. This allows me to show my different moods of music and spark a conversation about which type of cannabis other people like to consume. With my music and merchandise I’m making a statement to
the world that cannabis is more than just a plant we smoke to get high. How do you feel about legalization so far? I’m ready for cannabis to be legalized federally across the nation. I am appreciative of the efforts that have been done in the states with medical and recreational cannabis. Things are still very grey, but I think the future is bright for legalization because of all the money being made in states like California, Washington and Colorado. What could be done better or differently? Once cannabis finally becomes legal I hope that the government then releases the people incarcerated for possessing cannabis. I think it would have been better if the states who have reformed their cannabis laws also freed the people in prison for crimes related to cannabis. What is your favorite strain or cannabis product? My favorite strain is Blue Lime Pie; the genetics are from Sin City Seeds in Las Vegas. Is there anything else you’d like to add? My new album, Hybrid, [was just released], and it features a lot of legendary rappers like Royce 5’9”, Styles P, Devin The Dude and Smoke DZA. c
“Cannabis has been a part of my music since the beginning of my career. Every album I have released t o d at e h a s s o m e t y p e o f c a n n a b i s r e l at e d t h e m e . ”
+ www.willyjpeso.com | stonedlikewilly.com
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
51
Cannabis Entertainment in 2018:
G o Bi g o r G o H o m e
If you’re a fan of seeing cannabis on your television or at your local movie theater, then 2018 might be the best year yet. While the normalization of cannabis has done wonders in the arena of acceptance and exposure, there is something to be said about the art that was created around it when it was part of the counterculture. The taboo aspect of cannabis’ past brought us numerous comedy gems. That’s not to say that cannabis entertainment is dead. Far from it—check out a few of the highlights in cannabis entertainment in 2018.
By David Edmundson
NEW
“Who wants a mu s ta c h e ride?”
R e l e a s e d : M a rc h 9
Gringo Gringo is an action-comedy that follows a down-on-hisluck man who is tasked with delivering his company’s medical cannabis formula to Mexico. A wacky adventure featuring the Mexican cartel, a mercenary going through a spiritual crisis and a group of backstabbing co-workers ensues. An all-star cast featuring Charlize Theron, Joel Edgerton, David Oyelowo and Amanda Seyfried bring this absurd tale to life.
R e l e a s e s : April 2 0
Su p e r T r o o p e r s 2 The Broken Lizard team is back in uniform in the sequel to 2001’s cult hit. Featuring bigger jokes, action and mustaches, the film finds our favorite Highway Patrol officers going north of the border to Canada. There they are tasked with bringing a reluctant city full of Canadians into the fold as flag-waving Americans. What could possibly go wrong? A lot . . . A whole lot. Release: TBD R e l e a s e d : April 3
4/20 Massacre While cannabis comedies get the lion’s share of attention, horror is also a very popular genre for cannabis. Over 420 weekend, five young women have decided to celebrate their friend’s birthday by taking a camping trip to a secluded part of a nearby national park. However, their fun is quickly snubbed out when they stumble upon an illegal cannabis grow operation hidden in the greenery and protected by a bloodthirsty maniac. 4/20 MASSACRE is a comedy thriller that mixes gore, suspense, humor and is the perfect film to accompany your next joint.
52
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
Se a r c h i n g f o r t h e Cu r e If you are looking for something a little more refined, Searching for the Cure is a feature length documentary that explores “the world of medical cannabis, tracing its origins, scientific research, clinical trials, legalization and miraculous claims of curing cancer.” It will feature three former CULTURE cover figures—Tommy Chong, Montel Williams and Sanjay Gupta. The film will follow a number of cancer patients as they undergo a 60-day cannabis oil treatment. Their entire journey will be documented, and the film will intersperse the history and science of cannabis from throughout the world.
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
53
NEW cont. Release: TBD
T h e Be a c h Bum A tagline like “A rebellious stoner named Moondog lives life by his own rules” might not inspire a lot of confidence in a project, but when Moondog is played by Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey, then you have our attention. The rest of the cast includes Snoop Dogg, Isla Fisher, Zac Efron, Jonah Hill and Martin Lawrence. The film is said to be a comedy in the vein of Cheech and Chong, with McConaughey and Snoop Dogg taking over for the cannabis icons. The film will take place in Key West, Florida, and it looks like a visual feast of flesh and neon colors.
Returning Favorites
B r o a d Ci t y (Comedy Central) Broad City is scheduled to return for its fifth season in 2018. The show has been a breath of fresh air during its run, and stars the amazingly talented duo of Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson. The pair have proven that no subject is too taboo for them to cover, and the show is constantly evolving and pushing the limit of what can be shown on television.
W ee d i q ue t t e Season 4 and B o n g A p p é t i t Season 3 (VICELAND) Hi g h M a i n t e n a n c e (HBO) Everyone’s favorite cannabis delivery man will return for a third season of this HBO comedy. The show centers on a group of eccentric New Yorkers who all share a cannabis delivery person known only as “the guy,” played by series creator Ben Sinclair. The series began as a web series in 2012 before making the jump to HBO in 2016. High Maintenance is currently under contract through its third season.
VICELAND’s one-two punch of cannabis entertainment has yet to get release dates for its respective premieres, but both are listed as currently active. If they follow suit with past seasons, we should hear about their premiers sometime this month. Weediquette is a docuseries that centers on the science, culture, economics and legalization of cannabis. Bong Appétit, which is produced by Jason Pinsky, centers on the world’s most elaborate cannabis dinner parties. The show invites world renowned chefs to flex their culinary muscles with the greatest herb of them all.
In Memoriam Di s j o i n t e d (Netflix)
The streaming giant has decided to cease production on the Kathy Bates comedy that shared the story about a dispensary staffed by all manners of cannabis stereotypes. While the reviews in the cannabis community were mixed, it was overall a big step for cannabis normalization, and it was able to thrust the plant into the mainstream. c
54
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
55
Ultimate Munchie RECIPE
By Laurie Wolfe Photo by Bruce Wolfe
This over-the-top recipe should satiate your most extreme 420-induced munchie dreams.
B a n a n a Nu t e l l a M i n d - A lt e r i n g W a ff l e S ta c k S e rv e s 2
There is no law saying you can’t make waffles from scratch, in fact, that would be impressive. For those of us who choose to go the frozen route, you will be rewarded with far less effort. If you are looking for an infused waffle recipe; just send an email to Laurie@laurieandmaryjane.com. This is meant to be a delicious, decadent mess. Take a moment to admire and appreciate this fine work of art before shamelessly devouring it.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Nutella
5 frozen waffles, any type, toasted
2 teaspoons cannabutter, melted, or mild flavored cannabis-infused oil
1 large or two small bananas, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons orange juice Instructions:
4 strips of bacon, cooked until crisp Maple syrup
2. In another small bowl, combine the Nutella with the cannabutter.
and spread with Nutella. Layer with another waffle and place the bacon on top. Place another waffle on the bacon. Once again top with banana and cover with the remaining waffle. Place Nutella on the last waffle, and add the remaining banana slices.
3. Place a waffle on your plate. Top with some banana slices. Layer with another waffle,
4. Pour maple syrup over the whole, beautiful mess, and enjoy.
1. In a small bowl, toss the banana slices with the orange juice (which keeps the bananas from turning brown).
56
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
+ laurieandmaryjane.com
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
57
PART I E S 1 s t A n n u a l F o u r Twe n t y Cu p, A p r i l 2 0 Twelve trophies will be awarded to the finest medical cannabis companies in Michigan. The “Med Tent” allows card-carrying guests to medicate while watching live music. Clio Cultivation, Clio facebook.com/Clio-Cultivation
M I 4 2 0 Ne t w o r k i n g H a p p y Hour, April 20 Meet and greet with award-winning author Bruce Barcott for this very special networking and happy hour event. Barcott will present his talk, “Everyday Wisdom from an Extraordinary Industry: Ten HardLearned Business Lessons from the First Year of Legal Marijuana,” which is guaranteed to help shape aspiring entrepreneurs.
58
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
Gallery Divani, Grand Rapids divanigr.com
The Token Lounge, Westland thetokenlounge.com
R o a c h Re c o r d s 1 2 t h A n n u a l 4 / 2 0 S h o w, April 20
H o u s e o f D a n k 4 2 0 P a r t y, April 20
This event features live music from Bobby Knucklez, Smokehouse Junkiez, Knowledge Da MC and more. The first 100 people through the door will receive a free CD, and more artists will be announced. Mac’s Bar, Lansing macsbar.com
F ORC E S 4 / 2 0 CD Re l e a s e S h o w, A p r i l 2 0 Add a little metal to the 420 holiday and see Detroit’s own band FORCES live with Dead Eyes Always Dreaming, Gnarled Within and more. FORCES will be releasing a new highlyanticipated album.
Come in and indulge in all the delicacies that 420 has to offer, as the first 500 customers will receive a 420 goodie bag. There will be DJs, a BBQ and raffles to help get into the spirit of the 420 celebration. House of Dank, Detroit facebook.com/HouseOfDank313
Michigan’s Largest Cannabis Party & Ne t w o r k i n g E ve n t, A p r i l 2 0 Are you ready to meet dispensary owners and receive promotional items and discounts? Then head over to this one-of-a-kind 420 event. There will be drinks, dancing and music for all who attend! McKay Ballroom, Grand Rapids 420sumwhere.com
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
59
GROWING CULTURE
Variable Sexuality The first was “a series in which the plants were supplied with a high content of the essential elements K, Last month was Women’s History Mg, Ca and N [potassium, magnesium, Month, which reminded me that one calcium and nitrogen] added to a of the first researchers that wrote a Knop’s solution (a standard laboratory study on cannabis was Sister Mary fertilizer solution)”. Etienne Tibeau. She was associated Her second experiment was “a with Mount Mercy Junior College deficiency series in which the plants of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and wrote a were supplied with a nutrient solution research paper entitled Time Factor in which K, Mg, Ca and N respectively in Utilization of Mineral Nutrients by Hemp (1936). I honored her in the first were omitted from the complete book I wrote, and I recently decided to solution.” The third experiment was “a series in take another look at her article. which the plants after first undergoing Tibeau chose hemp for periods of starvation of a single element experimentation “because it shows marked sexual dimorphism (marked were then supplied with a nutrient solution having a high content of differences between the sexes) this element.” Plants were starved of and grows well under laboratory nitrogen for 27, 44 and 58 days. conditions.” In her research, she The results of her experiments performed three experiments. By Ed Rosenthal
60
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
caught my eye as I reread the report again, specifically regarding her experiments with nitrogen. She wrote, “The most striking contrast was between the plants supplied with a high N solution and those supplied with an N-deficient solution. The plants that were given eight times the normal amount of N produced an abundance of dark green foliage, and all plants had begun to differentiate into females before they wilted and died.” Her results continued to elaborate on the effects of nitrogen on her plants. “After an initial shortage of 27 days, plants were able to utilize available N (supplied in high amounts) and the plants were all females. After an initial starvation of 44 days, the plants were unable to adequately use N (supplied in high amounts) and male plants resulted. The plants starved of N for 58 days had already differentiated into males when N was supplied. After 64
days they were still hardy, growing slowly as males plants.” I decided to duplicate that portion of her experiment and see if plant sex could be manipulated by N availability to the plant. The experiment consists of 40 cups with seeds planted. They are divided into three groups that will include only 10 cups each. One group, the control, is supplied with a fertilizer containing equal amounts of N-P-K. A second group is given fertilizers with. The second group is provided with fertilizer containing only P-K. The third group is supplied N-P-K, but the N is oversupplied by a factor of 8 until the plants indicate sexuality. In addition to
the seedlings, 10 clones purchased at a store and already identified as female will be included. Five each will be added to the N starved group and the N oversupplied group. Tibeau kept the seeds/seedlings under constant light for 12 days. She then transferred them to natural light on May 27. On May 27, dawn to dusk in Cedar Rapids, Iowa lasts 16 hours, two minutes, a long enough light regimen to promote vegetative growth. In this experiment, the seeds/ seedlings will have continuous light for 14 days. Then they will be provided with 16 hours of light for 14 days. They are being provided with 12 hours of light daily; a long enough dark period to promote flowering. c
I attended the Hawaii Cannabis Expo in Honolulu, and while I was there I was invited by a colleague who has a medical cannabis garden that provides medicine to patients. Each patient’s 10 plants (the legal limit in Hawaii) is behind a locked chain link fence. Here are some pictures from that garden.
829 – This is a garden for an individual patient.
831 – All of the plants are supported using netting for the sea of green.
839 – Another view from inside.
The Results So Far: Seeds and clones were placed in cups filled with coir that had been soaked and rinsed to remove any nutrients. They were placed in a space with a light regimen of 16 hours and will remain there for another 13 days. Upon germinating, they will be irrigated with nutrient-water solution.
843 – Each plant was in its own 100-gallon container.
One month later the buds look like this
One Love
Star Killer
Star Killer
White Fire OG
(Photos by MM)
One Love
Copyright by Ed Rosenthal. All rights are reserved. First North American Magazine rights only are assigned to culture Magazine. No other reproduction of this material is permitted without the specific written permission of the author/copyright holder.
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
61
62
APRIL 2018 CultureMagazine.com
CultureMagazine.com
APRIL 2018
63